Boston & Maine Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Published: May 30, 2026
By: Adam Burns
The Boston & Maine Railroad pioneered dieselization in the Northeast, beginning in the 1930s and completing the transition by the mid-1950s. Early experiments with internal-combustion power gave way to a diverse fleet emphasizing switchers for yard and local work, road switchers for freight, and cab units for passenger and dual-service duties. Builders included ALCO, EMD, GE, and Fairbanks-Morse, with the roster peaking around 200–235 units in the 1960s before later changes under Guilford Transportation Industries in 1983.
A group of classic Boston & Maine FTs, led by #4204, lead a freight through Greenfield, Massachusetts on September 18, 1955. Photographer unknown, Rick Burn collection.Switchers arrived first. ALCO HH600/HH660 units (1101–1102, 1934–1938) marked the start, followed by GE 44-tonners (110–114/119 series, 1940–1948, class DS-1a) for light industrial and branchline jobs. EMD SW1s (1109–1132, 1939–1953) and SW9s (1220–1231, 1952–1953) provided reliable 1,000-hp yard power, while SW8s (800–807, 1953) added more capacity. ALCO S-series switchers proliferated: S1/S2 (1940s), S3 (1176–1188, 1952), S4 (1266–1274), and S5 (860–865, 1954, some rebuilt). These B-B units handled everything from shop switching to local freights.
Road freight and dual-service power centered on ALCO RS2/RS3 road switchers (1501–1534 series, late 1940s–1950s) and EMD GP7s (1555–1577/GP7 1563–1571 group, 1950–1952) and GP9s (1700–1749, 1957). Later EMD GP18s, GP38-2s (200–212, 300–317 series, 1970s), and GP40-2s expanded the fleet for modernized operations. These versatile units replaced steam Consolidations and Moguls on secondary lines.
Passenger and high-speed services used EMD cab units. E7As (3800–3821 series, 1945–1946) powered named trains in the iconic maroon-and-gold “Minute Man” scheme. F2, F3, and F7 A/B sets (4224–4268 series, 1940s–1950) handled freight and dual duties, often in A-B-B-A consists. A unique Fairbanks-Morse P12-42 pair (1–2, 1957) powered the lightweight Speed Merchant Talgo trainset.
Paint schemes evolved distinctly. Pre-1944 switchers used black with rectangular heralds. Postwar, most received maroon sides with gold stripes and the Minute Man herald. In the 1950s–1970s, many GP9s adopted the McGinnis “Bluebird” livery (blue hoods, black cab, white stripes), while others went solid blue with variations like interlaced BM heralds. Footboard removal in later years added orange step wells on some units.
B&M’s dieselization reflected aggressive modernization: wartime FT orders, postwar EMD and ALCO purchases, and 1970s second-generation EMD power. The roster proved durable, with many units surviving into the Guilford era or finding homes on short lines and museums (e.g., GP38-2 No. 252 at Conway Scenic). By focusing on reliable, maintainable power suited to New England’s network, B&M’s diesel fleet efficiently replaced steam and sustained operations into the late 20th century.
Alco
| Road Number | Model | Builder | Completion Date | Serial Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 860-865 | S5 | Alco | 6/1954 | 80916-80921 | #864 preserved at the Hobo Railroad/Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. |
| 1101 | HH660 | Alco | 3/1938 | 69082 | Later renumbered 1161; scrapped in 1/1959. |
| 1102 | HH600 | Alco | 9/1934 | 68608 | Built as demonstrator #602. Later renumbered 1160. Scrapped in 12/1947 by the B&M. |
| 1162 | HH660 | Alco | 12/39 | 69232 | Sold for scrap in 1/1959. |
| 1163-1164 | S1 | Alco | 7/1944-8/1944 | 70050, 71662 | - |
| 1165 | S1 | Alco | 10/1944 | 72837 | - |
| 1166-1167 | S1 | Alco | 8/1948 | 75895-75896 | - |
| 1168-1169 | S1 | Alco | 1/4199 | 76153-76154 | - |
| 1170-1171 | S1 | Alco | 3/1949 | 76568-76569 | - |
| 1172 | S1 | Alco | 5/1949 | 76737 | - |
| 1173-1174 | S3 | Alco | 9/1950 | 78318-78319 | - |
| 1175-1176 | S3 | Alco | 9/1950 | 78391-78392 | - |
| 1177-1179 | S3 | Alco | 2/1952-3/1952 | 79539-79541 | - |
| 1180-1181 | S3 | Alco | 3/1952-4/1952 | 79767, 79770 | |
| 1182-1184 | S3 | Alco | 4/1952-5/1952 | 79771-79773 | - |
| 1185-1188 | S3 | Alco | 5/1952-6/1952 | 80051-80054 | #1186 preserved at the Hobo Railroad/Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. |
| 1260-1262 | S2 | Alco | 5/1944 | 72060-72062 | - |
| 1263 | S2 | Alco | 6/1945 | 73376 | - |
| 1264-1265 | S2 | Alco | 7/1945 | 73595-73596 | - |
| 1266-1273 | S4 | Alco | 8/1950 | 78021-78028 | - |
| 1274 | S4 | Alco | 9/1950 | 78319 | Rebuilt from S3 #1174 |
| 1280-1281 | S5m | Alco | 6/1954 | 80916-80917 | Rebuilt from S5 #860-861. |
| 1282-1283 | S5m | Alco | 6/1954 | 80921, 80918 | Rebuilt from S5s #865 and #862. |
| 1501-1504 | RS2 | Alco | 3/1949 | 76648-76651 | - |
| 1505-1509 | RS3 | Alco | 4/1954-5/1954 | 80732-80736 | - |
| 1510-1517 | RS3 | Alco | 10/1954 | 80749-80756 | - |
| 1518-1519 | RS3 | Alco | 4/1955 | 81162-81163 | - |
| 1530-1532 | RS2 | Alco | 3/1949 | 76652-76654 | - |
| 1533-1534 | RS2 | Alco | 6/1949 | 76975-76976 | - |
Boston & Maine F3A #4228 rests inside the roundhouse in Somerville, Massachusetts on February 8, 1970. Roger Puta photo.Electro-Motive
| Road Number | Model | Builder | Completion Date | Serial Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | GP38-2 | EMD | 2/1974 | 73636-12 | #212 repainted in Bicentennial colors. |
| 201-212 | GP38-2 | EMD | 12/1973, 2/1974 | 73636-1 thru 73636-12 | Sold to Kansas City Southern. |
| 300-317 | GP40-2 | EMD | 12/1977 | 776025-1 thru 776025-18 | - |
| 800-807 | SW8 | EMD | 5/1953 | 18200-18207 | #864 preserved at the Hobo Railroad/Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. |
| 1103-1105 | SC | EMC | 8/1936 | 611-613 | - |
| 1106-1108 | SC | EMC | 7/1938 | 758-760 | - |
| 1109-1111 | SW1 | EMC | 1/1939 | 912-914 | #1109 preserved at the Railroad Museum of New England |
| 1112-1113 | SW1 | EMD | 11/1941 | 1457-1458 | -- |
| 1114-1116, 1117 | SW1 | EMD | 10/1946 | 3884-3886, 3895 | - |
| 1118 | SW1 | EMD | 4/1949 | 8321 | -- |
| 1119-1132 | SW1 | EMD | 7/1953-8/1953 | 18186-18199 | #1125 involved in head-on collision with Central Vermont GP9 #4929 on 10/2/1972. |
| 1200-1201 | NW2 | EMD | 11/1941 | 1461-1462 | - |
| 1202-1204 | NW2 | EMD | 7/1942 | 1993-1995 | - |
| 1205-1207 | NW2 | EMD | 9/1946 | 3091-3093 | - |
| 1208-1213 | NW2 | EMD | 1/1949 | 7738-7739, 7734-7737 | - |
| 1220-1226 | SW9 | EMD | 1/1952 | 15748-15754 | - |
| 1227-1231 | SW9 | EMD | 5/1953 | 18181-18185 | - |
| 1550-1553 | BL2 | EMD | 7/1948-9/1948 | 5259-5262 | - |
| 1555-1560 | GP7 | EMD | 9/1950 | 12373-12378 | - |
| 1561-1562 | GP7 | EMD | 12/1950 | 12379-12380 | - |
| 1563-1571 | GP7 | EMD | 2/1952-3/1952 | 15786-15794 | - |
| 1572-1577 | GP7 | EMD | 4/1953-5/1953 | 18175-18180 | #1577 became Springfield Terminal #35. |
| 1700-1709 | GP9 | EMD | 2/1957-3/1957 | 23198-23207 | 1703-1704, 1706, 1708 renumbered as 1803-1804, 1806, 1808. |
| 1710-1726 | GP9 | EMD | 9/1957-12/1957 | 23208-23224 | 1717, 1721, 1725-1726 renumbered as 1817, 1821, 1825-1826. |
| 1727-1739 | GP9 | EMD | 4-6/57 | 23225-23237 | #1738 renumbered 1838. #1732 is preserved at the Railroad of New England Museum. |
| 1740-1749 | GP9 | EMD | 7/1957-9/1957 | 23238-23247 | 1748 renumbered 1848 |
| 1770-1775 | GP18 | EMD | 5/1961 | 26659-26664 | Renumbered 1750-1755 |
| 3800-3801 | E7A | EMD | 9/1945 | 3339-3340 | - |
| 3802-3815 | E7A | EMD | 6/1946 | 3341-3354 | - |
| 3816-3819 | E7A | EMD | 7/1948 | 5623-5626 | - |
| 3820 | E7A | EMD | 4/1949 | 8475 | - |
| 3821 | E8A | EMD | 1/1950 | 9088 | Sold to Missouri Pacific as #42. |
| 4200A-4205A | FTA | EMD | 9/1943-12/1943 | 1916-1921 | Traded in to EMD. |
| 4200B-4205B | FTB | EMD | 9/1943-12/1943 | 1969-1974 | - |
| 4206A-4207A, 4208A | FTA | EMD | 2/1944-10/44 | 1975-1977 | Traded-in to EMD. |
| 4206B-4207B, 4208B | FTB | EMD | 2/1944-10/1944 | 1994-1996 | - |
| 4209A-4211A, 4212A-4223A | FTA | EMD | 10/1944-11/1944 | 1991-1993, 2404-2415 | Traded-in to EMD. |
| 4209B-4211B, 4212B-4223B | FTB | EMD | 2/1944-10/1944 | 1997-1999, 2416-2427 | - |
| 4224A-4226A | F2A | EMD | 10/1946 | 3085-3087 | - |
| 4227B-4228B | F2B | EMD | 10/1946 | 3088-3090 | - |
| 4227A-4228A | F3A | EMD | 10/1948 | 5601-5602 | - |
| 4227B-4228B | F3B | EMD | 10/48 | 5604-5605 | - |
| 4250A-4264A | F2A | EMD | 7/1946 | 3070-3084 | - |
| 4265A | F7A | EMD | 3/1949 | 8478 | - |
| 4265B-4266B | F7B | EMD | 7/1950 | 12303-12304 | - |
| 4266A-4267A | F7A | EMD | 3/1949 | 8476-8477 | - |
| 4267B-4268B | F7B | EMD | 11/1950 | 12382-12383 | #4268B preserved by the Anthracite Railroads Historical Society as Jersey Central 'D'. |
| 4268A | F7A | EMD | 10/1949 | 9932 | - |
| 6000 | AA | EMC | 2/1935 | 9932 | Streamlined shovel-nose power car for the "Flying Yankee" trainset. |
Fairbanks-Morse
| Road Number | Model | Builder | Completion Date | Serial Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | P12-42 | FM | 12/1957 | 17L1060-17L1061 | Power cars for the "Speed Merchant", a lightweight TALGO trainset. |
Boston & Maine GP40-2s #302 and #314, along with GP38-2 #209, pull into SK Yard in Buffalo, New York arriving from Binghamton on the Southern Tier line on June 12, 1983. Doug Kroll photo.General Electric
| Road Number | Model | Builder | Completion Date | Serial Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110-113 | 44-ton | GE | 11/1940 | 12915-12917, 12943 | - |
| 114-116 | 44-ton | GE | 6/1941-7/1941 | 13092-13094 | - |
| 117 | 44-ton | GE | 8/1942 | 15036 | - |
| 118-119 | 44-ton | GE | 12/1947, 6/1948 | 29076, 29974 | - |
| 1100 | Boxcab | GE/Ingersoll-Rand | 1/1935 | 11645 | - |
Plymouth Locomotive Works
| Road Number | Model | Builder | Completion Date | Serial Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | JL8 | Plymouth | 6/1930 | 3506 | - |
| 101 | ML8 | Plymouth | 3/1938 | 3963 | - |
Recent Articles
-
Delaware & Hudson Steam Roster (Post 1900)
Jun 03, 26 11:55 AM
The Delaware & Hudson Railway (D&H), one of America’s oldest railroads, traced its roots to 1823 as a canal and gravity railroad operation hauling anthracite coal from northeastern Pennsylvania. Steam… -
Florida 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 02, 26 12:39 PM
If you’re dreaming of a whiskey-forward journey by rail in the Sunshine State, here’s what’s available now, what to watch for next, and how to craft a memorable experience of your own. -
Kentucky 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 02, 26 12:29 PM
Whether you’re a curious sipper planning your first bourbon getaway or a seasoned enthusiast seeking a fresh angle on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a train excursion offers a slow, scenic, and flavor-fo… -
Chessie System Diesel Roster (All Time)
Jun 02, 26 11:35 AM
Though Chessie itself owned no equipment—locomotives remained on the books of its subsidiaries with C&O, B&O, or WM reporting marks—the system unified operations across 11,700 route miles, hauling vas… -
New York 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 02, 26 11:09 AM
For those keen on embarking on such an adventure, the Arcade & Attica offers a unique whiskey tasting train at the end of each summer! -
Connecticut 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 02, 26 11:04 AM
If you’re looking for a signature “special occasion” experience, the Essex Steam Train's Wine & Chocolate Dinner Train stands out as a decadent, social, and distinctly memorable take on dinner on… -
Massachusetts 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 02, 26 10:24 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Steam Roster (Post 1900)
Jun 02, 26 12:32 AM
The BR&P's steam locomotive roster evolved from modest 19th-century power to some of the heaviest articulated engines in the Northeast, reflecting the railroad’s growing tonnage demands and challengin… -
Virginia 'Dinner Train' Rides At Staunton
Jun 01, 26 12:11 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you. -
Oregon 'Dinner Train' Rides At Hood River
Jun 01, 26 12:06 PM
The Mt. Hood Railroad is the moving part of that postcard—a century-old short line that began as a working railroad. -
Maryland 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 01, 26 11:58 AM
This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure. -
Indiana 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
Jun 01, 26 11:50 AM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a little… -
Maryland 'Dinner Train' Rides At Cumberland
Jun 01, 26 11:44 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Massachusetts 'Dinner Train' Rides At Cape Cod
Jun 01, 26 11:43 AM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) has carved out a special niche by pairing classic New England scenery with old-school hospitality, including some of the best-known dining train experiences in the… -
Rhode Island 'Dinner Train' Rides In Portsmouth
Jun 01, 26 11:41 AM
Despite its small size, Rhode Island is home to one popular dinner train experience where guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of Aquidneck Island. -
Maine 'Dinner Train' Rides At Portland
Jun 01, 26 11:38 AM
While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink a… -
Atlantic Coast Line Diesel Roster (All-Time)
May 31, 26 11:47 AM
The Atlantic Coast Line was an early pioneer in dieselization, acquiring its first diesel locomotives in 1939 and completing the transition from steam by the mid-1950s. -
New Hampshire - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:27 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
New York - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:25 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Pennsylvania 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:23 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
New Jersey 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:18 AM
There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon! -
Colorado 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 31, 26 11:14 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Georgia 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides In Cordele
May 31, 26 11:03 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like a tasti… -
Iowa 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 31, 26 10:55 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Arizona 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 31, 26 10:47 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Atlantic Coast Line Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 31, 26 10:43 AM
The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL), operating primarily over the relatively flat terrain of the Southeast from Virginia to Florida and Alabama, built a steam roster emphasizing versatile, efficien… -
Norfolk & Western 611 Debuts In "America250" Livery
May 30, 26 11:19 PM
The Virginia Museum of Transportation has announced that Class J No. 611 will receive a temporary special red, white, and blue livery in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. -
Boston & Maine Diesel Roster (All-Time)
May 30, 26 03:08 PM
The Boston & Maine Railroad pioneered dieselization in the Northeast, beginning in the 1930s and completing the transition by the mid-1950s. -
Boston & Maine Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 30, 26 02:52 PM
The Boston & Maine Railroad (B&M) operated one of New England’s most varied steam locomotive rosters from the late 19th century until the mid-1950s. -
Ohio 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:57 AM
LM&M's Bourbon Train stands out as one of the most distinctive ways to enjoy a relaxing evening out in southwest Ohio: a scenic heritage train ride paired with curated bourbon samples and onboard refr… -
Washington 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:56 AM
Climb aboard the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad for a whiskey tasting adventure by train!" -
Texas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:54 AM
Here’s a comprehensive look into the world of murder mystery dinner trains in Texas. -
Arkansas 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:51 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
California 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:48 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Wisconsin 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 30, 26 11:44 AM
Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture. -
Bessemer & Lake Erie Diesel Roster (All Time)
May 30, 26 11:40 AM
The Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad (B&LE) transitioned to diesel power efficiently, completing full dieselization in 1953 thanks to its focused heavy-haul profile. -
Bessemer & Lake Erie Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 30, 26 11:30 AM
The Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad (B&LE), the vital iron ore and coal hauler linking Lake Erie docks at Conneaut, Ohio, to Pittsburgh-area steel mills, operated one of the most specialized steam fleet… -
Bangor & Aroostook Steam Roster (Post 1900)
May 29, 26 11:48 PM
The Bangor & Aroostook Railroad (BAR), Maine’s legendary potato and paper hauler stretching deep into the Aroostook County wilderness, relied on a compact yet hardworking steam fleet for much of its i… -
Bangor & Aroostook Diesel Roster (All Time)
May 29, 26 11:33 PM
BAR prioritized Electro-Motive Division (EMD) products for their reliability in harsh northern Maine winters and on light branch lines, resulting in a roster heavy on versatile road switchers. -
Western Pacific Timetables (August, 1952)
May 29, 26 10:09 PM
These timetables capture the Western Pacific in the final golden years of its passenger operations—offering travelers one last chance to enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Feather River Route in comfor… -
Maine 'Dinner Train' Rides At Portland
May 29, 26 12:04 PM
While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink a…
